Child sex trafficking a problem in AZ

TEMPE, AZ - A survivor of child sex trafficking, Ravyn Crescent says she has seen young children forced into prostitution, some victims are so young they're barely out of elementary school.

“Twelve is the age they are actually sent onto the streets. This is not the first time they've been raped. This is after they've been trained,” said Crescent.

At a meeting in Tempe on Thursday, Shared Hope International , a national advocacy group, highlighted the problem of domestic minor sex trafficking in Arizona.

Founder Linda Smith said the issue is not just a problem in other parts of the world.

“They are a typical middle school girl, not from another country. They are legal or born here to American families,” said Smith, talking about the victims.

Shared Hope International insists too often minors forced into prostitution are treated as criminals when they are victims being exploited.

Crescent said she agrees.

“These girls are victims. These are not girls who want to go sell themselves. They've been brainwashed. It's forced, fraud, and coercion,” said Crescent.

Crescent said she turned to writing to help her get through her pain and has since published a book hoping to help others going through what she did.

Resources: Teens on Trafficking